Mars survey proper

John McManusMiddlesex Township

November 13, 2012Letters to the Editor

In a Nov. 5 letter to the editor, a Mars School District teacher seemed to feel it was biased and unfair for taxpayers to have the opportunity to weigh in on the district teachers’ contract situation.

While I suspect that he is correct to some degree, those of us who pay taxes to our school district may have reasons for our own bias.

My wife and I both work in her family business, and we each earn just about the same as the average Mars teacher. We, however, work more than 300 days each year, have no retirement benefits and pay all of our own health care costs, including large deductibles, out of our own pocket. We also pay almost $19,000 each year in Mars school property taxes for our residence and business property.

Yes, I have the right to offer my opinions in a survey about how my money is being spent. I pay for that right each and every year.

I am angry and fed up. I am angry with politicians and public servants who demand from me more than I can give to my own family. And, I am fed up with anyone who would threaten the welfare of our children if we do not give in to their demands.